[nagdu] German Shepherds

[Nicole Torcolini]

I have never had a German Shepherd, but I know several people who have or
have had German Shepherds . My observations of the breed match what has
already been said. In addition to digestive problems, they seem to be more
susceptible to hip and back problems. German Shepherds seem to be more
likely to develop aggression problems, both in general and as a result of
becoming over protective of their handlers. Also, German Shepherds seem to
get stressed out more easily and not eat. Finally, German Shepherds seem to
retire earlier than other breeds, sometimes from back problems.

Nicole

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tracy Carcione
via nagdu
Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2014 6:25 AM
To: Joe; NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] German Shepherds

Hi Joe.
It's been my observation that shepherds seem to have more health problems
than retrievers, most often digestive problems.  Your results may vary, of
course, and people find ways to deal, usually by experimenting until they
find the right food.

Some people say that shepherds have an internal executive committe that
checks any command to see if they agree it's a good idea, then act
accordingly.  Other people say shepherds are always ready to push the
envelope and see if a rule applies to them in this situation.
I've had labs that do that, too.
I've had a lab who is shepherd-like, and a lab who was golden-like, so who
knows what any particular dog's personality will be?
I wouldn't call a lab gait especially smooth, until one gets used to it.  My
last lab had a nice trot.  My current cross has a kind of lunge step gait,
which is rather odd, but I'm getting used to it.

My recent TSE class had a number of shepherds in it.  One was dropped
partway through for becoming excessively protective, but the others were
very nice.  Some of my classmates were going from a shepherd to a lab, and
others from a lab to a shepherd, and they all seemed happy with what they
got.
HTH.
Tracy


----- Original Message -----
From: "Joe via nagdu" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 9:11 PM
Subject: [nagdu] German Shepherds


> Hi, I'm curious about people's experiences with German shepherd guide 
> dogs.
> That may sound like a strange question coming from someone with experience
> with the breed, but as I consider returning for a second guide dog, I'm
> giving some thought to breed preferences. Mine was something of a handful,
> but his work ethic was outstanding. I'm curious to see if my experience 
> can
> be duplicated somewhere else. I don't want to express interest in a 
> specific
> breed based on my old dog's personality when perhaps the same
> characteristics could be found in another breed. Personally, I loved the
> smooth gait and serious persona. Yet, a few people claim they found their
> shepherds to be too delicate. Anyway, I hope the question makes sense. All
> thoughts welcomed. Appreciate it in advance.
>
> Joe
>
> --
> Musings of a Work in Progress:
> www.JoeOrozco.com/
>
> Twitter: @ScribblingJoe
>
>
>
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